Charles City Police Department puts on bicycle rodeo

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It was a nice morning to ride bikes on Saturday, May 31, as the Charles City Police Department hosted its annual Bicycle Rodeo.

Setting up in the parking lot outside of Hot Shots Billiards, police officers helped children get their bicycles ready for summer.

“We’ve had a good, steady flow,” said Officer Duane Ollendick, the department’s community policing officer who has been spearheading the event for more than a decade.

Officers guided kids through a series of courses, from figure-8s to coned paths, giving them the opportunity to practice their riding while getting a refresher on bicycle safety and the rules of the road.

“It’s just a good event for the kids,” said Ollendick. “It keeps them occupied and gets them some exercise.”

Kids could also get their bikes registered with the Police Department in order to make it easier to return to their owner in case they are lost or stolen.

Giving the police a helping hand, volunteers from Zoetis provided a maintenance station to help kids make sure their bikes are tuned up for the summer.

Even those without bikes had incentive to come, with door prizes and giveaway drawings distributing several new bicycles.

Encouraging bicycle safety, the police also distributed free helmets to the kids, helping little riders pick out protective gear to make sure they can bicycle in safety.

While the Police Department distributed several helmets throughout the morning, those that didn’t make it down on Saturday can still get one if needed at any time.

“They can contact the PD if kids need a helmet,” said Ollendick.